Dust storms raged across New Mexico on Tuesday, snarling highway traffic as the National Weather Service pushed an emergency alert to cellphones that warned of zero-visibility conditions and adverse health consequences for infants and the elderly.

Another round of intense dust storms led to multiple crashes and at least three injuries along New Mexico highways and interstates Tuesday, officials said.

A meteorologist said the storm was a combination of "record low" winter precipitation and gusts of up to 80 mph.